Emily Wilson to retranslate 'The Odyssey' following Nolan film discourse

Translator Emily Wilson has announced a complete retranslation of Homer's 'The Odyssey,' distinct from her 2017 best-selling version. The decision follows her public criticisms of Christopher Nolan's film adaptation, which she panned in two reviews. Wilson's publisher initially found the move controversial but now supports her new approach.

Wilson’s 2017 translation sold over one million copies and was cited by Nolan as the inspiration for his film, making her public rejection of the adaptation particularly striking. Her initial review included accusations about how actors of color were portrayed, which she later retracted, though she followed with a second critical essay comparing the film to *Die Hard*. Complete retranslations of classical texts are rare; translators typically revise existing editions rather than start from scratch, which explains her publisher’s initial hesitation before endorsing the project.

Beyond the film dispute, Wilson has courted further controversy by dismissing Percy Jackson as unsuitable for adult literary readers. She also addressed the unpredictability of public reception, acknowledging that misreading and hostility are inevitable parts of her work. A video of her reciting the *Odyssey*’s opening in ancient Greek has circulated alongside the news, underscoring her scholarly credentials amid the ongoing discourse.